Rethinking our growth obsession through a sustainability lens
Churches today can become far too obsessed with numerical growth at the expense of other important factors. A Nigerian pastor recommends we do not forget the issues of sustainability.
Opinion Articles
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Indigenous lessons for gospel spread today from a context of colonial missions efforts
One of the most successful indigenous gospel movements of colonial missions history was short lived, interrupted by the oppressive ethnocentric Christianity of colonial settlers whose witness failed to match biblical expectations. While outsiders are often powerfully catalytic for the gospel where the gospel is least known, missions is filled with accounts of the gospel spread being hindered by outsider Christians. We can improve gospel effectiveness with greater trust in indigenous/insider beli
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African diaspora missions still tethered to Western missions thinking
Around the world we seem to have an identity crisis in the language of missions as missions conducted by black or brown people adopts missions thinking originating from white Westerners. This remains evident in the African American and Afro Caribbean missions movements as seen through the eyes of a Malawian living in the UK.
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Spiritual maturity is essential for sharing the gospel across cultural boundaries
To become spiritually mature in Christ we need to grow out of a mono-cultural perspective. The easiest way to do that is to be exposed to different perspectives that broaden our understanding of God's world, moving from an us and them mentality to a richer inclusivity. Here's why...
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The gospel has the power to overcome the apartheid racial classification “coloured” in South Africa — part 1
Part one of two part series exploring the construction of race in South Africa's history that diminished the dignity of the ancient first inhabitants of the southern Cape that pre-existed darker-skinned Bantu peoples. A descendant of the indigenous speaks out with a dream of how the gospel can bring about the kind of transformation his ancestors saw.
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The gospel has the power to overcome the apartheid racial classification “coloured” in South Africa — part 2
The continuation of a two part series highlighting the continuation of race constructed in South Africa's history that diminished the dignity of the ancient first inhabitants of Africa's southern Cape. A descendant of the indigenous speaks out with a dream of how the gospel can bring about the kind of transformation his ancestors saw.
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Listening to the echoes of Lausanne 4 and learning lessons of abiding
By Xiaoli YangA Chinese virtual participant at Lausanne 4 reflects on her experience and encourages us to prioritize intimacy with God as a necessary precursor to participation in God’s mission. Missions activities ought to be an overflow of our intimate relationship with the Triune God,, In other words, let contemplation lead to action.
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Encouragement to view the workplace as an opportunity to glorify God
Assuming its legal, our occupations are an opportunity for us to express our vocation, our calling to glorify God. Christians should stand out in the workplace as people of integrity and honor, manifesting the character of God as revealed in the Bible. This attitude can transform work from a place of drudgery to an opportunity for joy.
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Learning the impact of this time tommorrow for local Christian witness
A simple focus on workplace involvement into a Sunday service liturgy has the potential to activate more effective witness among church goers. It is being used effectively in Anglican churches in England and could add new life to congregations elsewhere too.
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A migrant missionary considers migrant missions theories
As our world continues to experience the push and pull factors of migration, it is important to pay attention to how each context is defining their missions in the new mission fields of former Christendom. It is also important not to use just one terminology to define the migration and missions experiences of all Majority World people. we need to continually adapt our understanding of missions as we continue to develop theologies of migration.
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Cultural brain rot, Gen Z, and making disciples
By Peter LynasPeter Lynas explores the slang term ‘cultural brain rot’, and identifies three underlying cultural stories an increasingly globalized world needs to be aware as we take seriously our responsibility to make disciples.
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A global missions leader's reflections on Lausanne 4 - part one of three
By Jay MātengaPart one of three. The fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization (Lausanne 4/L4) was many things to many people. This series is the perspective of one global missions leader. There is much to be celebrated and concerned about the event, and some conclusions are drawn to help the Evangelical Church and its missions walk more confidently and equitably into the future.
